Satellite photo provided by Planet Labs PBC shows the Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center near Dimona in the occupied Israeli territories, on July 5, 2025. (Planet Labs PBC via AP)
On September 5, 2025, Iran’s Foreign Minister issued a scathing critique of the United States, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom for their silence regarding Israel’s intensified construction activities at the Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center, commonly known as the Dimona nuclear facility. This development, reported through Iranian diplomatic channels, has reignited concerns about Israel’s nuclear weapons program, widely believed to be the only one of its kind in West Asia. The Iranian official argued that the Western powers’ failure to address Israel’s actions undermines their credibility on nuclear non-proliferation, accusing them of selective outrage that ignores Israel’s nuclear arsenal while scrutinizing Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.
The accusations come at a time of heightened regional tensions, with Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, coupled with its violations of international agreements, drawing widespread condemnation. Satellite imagery analyzed by experts indicates significant construction at the Dimona site, potentially signaling the development of a new reactor or nuclear weapons assembly facility. Iran’s warning highlights the double standards in global non-proliferation efforts, raising questions about the integrity of international institutions and the motives of Western powers.
This article provides a comprehensive exploration of Iran’s accusations, the historical and geopolitical context of Israel’s nuclear program, the implications of Western silence, and the broader consequences for non-proliferation and regional stability. It incorporates perspectives from Iran, regional actors, international observers, and non-proliferation experts, while critically analyzing the roles of the U.S., the European troika (E3), and Israel. By delving into these dimensions, we aim to shed light on the complex interplay of nuclear politics, regional power dynamics, and global governance.
Historical Context: Israel’s Nuclear Program and Dimona
To understand the significance of Iran’s accusations, it is essential to examine the historical development of Israel’s nuclear program and the role of the Dimona facility. Israel’s pursuit of nuclear weapons began in the 1950s, driven by security concerns and a desire to establish military dominance in the region. The Dimona nuclear reactor, located in the Negev desert, was constructed with assistance from France in the late 1950s and early 1960s. By the late 1960s, Israel is believed to have developed its first nuclear weapons, making it the only state in West Asia with such capabilities.
Israel’s nuclear program has been shrouded in secrecy, underpinned by a policy of “nuclear ambiguity,” whereby it neither confirms nor denies possession of nuclear weapons. Estimates suggest that Israel possesses between 80 and 200 nuclear warheads, along with advanced delivery systems, including ballistic missiles and submarines. The Dimona facility is central to this program, producing plutonium and tritium, key components for nuclear bombs. Unlike Iran, which is a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and subject to rigorous international inspections, Israel has never signed the NPT and operates its nuclear program without oversight.
The lack of transparency and accountability has long been a point of contention in the region. Arab and Muslim-majority states, including Iran, have repeatedly called for a nuclear-weapons-free zone in West Asia, a proposal consistently blocked by Israel and its Western allies. The U.S., in particular, has supported Israel’s nuclear ambiguity, providing diplomatic cover and refraining from pressuring Israel to join the NPT. This stance has fueled accusations of double standards, as Western powers impose stringent sanctions and scrutiny on Iran’s nuclear program while ignoring Israel’s arsenal.
The recent construction at Dimona, as evidenced by satellite imagery from July 2025, has heightened these concerns. Analysts suggest that the new building, featuring thick concrete walls and multiple underground levels, could be a new reactor or a facility for assembling nuclear weapons. This development comes amid Israel’s aggressive military actions, including its ongoing campaign in Gaza and violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty, raising fears that an expansion of its nuclear capabilities could further destabilize the region.
Iran’s Accusations and Regional Tensions
Iran’s Foreign Minister, in a statement disseminated through diplomatic channels and social media, condemned the E3 (France, Germany, and the UK) and the U.S. for their “deafening silence” on Israel’s Dimona expansion. The minister argued that this silence undermines the credibility of Western powers on nuclear non-proliferation, accusing them of focusing solely on Iran’s peaceful nuclear activities while ignoring Israel’s nuclear weapons program. The statement framed Western “hysteria” over non-proliferation as selective, driven by geopolitical interests rather than a commitment to global security.
Iran’s accusations are rooted in its longstanding critique of Western double standards. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran has positioned itself as a leading voice against U.S. and Israeli hegemony in West Asia. Its nuclear program, which it insists is for peaceful purposes, has been a focal point of international contention. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, imposed strict limits on Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the U.S.’s unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, followed by the reimposition of sanctions, has strained relations and led Iran to scale back its commitments under the deal.
The E3’s recent push to trigger the “snapback” mechanism, which would reinstate UN sanctions on Iran, has further escalated tensions. Iran, alongside China and Russia, has condemned this move as “legally baseless” and a violation of the JCPOA’s terms. The joint letter signed by Iran, China, and Russia in Tianjin in 2025 criticized the E3 for abusing the UN Security Council’s authority and misleading the international community about the JCPOA’s failure. Iran’s Foreign Minister emphasized that the U.S.’s initial violation of the deal, followed by Europe’s alignment with U.S. sanctions, has undermined the agreement’s integrity.
Against this backdrop, Iran’s focus on Israel’s Dimona expansion serves to highlight the inconsistencies in Western non-proliferation policies. By pointing to Israel’s nuclear activities, Iran seeks to shift the narrative, arguing that the real threat to regional stability lies in Israel’s unchecked arsenal, not Iran’s heavily monitored program.
Geopolitical Motives: Western Support for Israel
The Western powers’ silence on Israel’s Dimona expansion must be understood within the broader context of their strategic alliance with Israel. The U.S., as Israel’s primary ally, has provided billions of dollars in military aid annually, including advanced weaponry and diplomatic support at the UN. This support extends to Israel’s nuclear program, with the U.S. adhering to a policy of not pressuring Israel to disclose or dismantle its arsenal. The E3, while less vocal, have largely followed the U.S.’s lead, refraining from criticizing Israel’s nuclear activities despite their commitment to non-proliferation.
This selective approach is driven by geopolitical considerations. Israel is seen as a key ally in countering Iran’s influence in West Asia, particularly through its support for the “Axis of Resistance,” which includes Hezbollah, Syria, and Palestinian factions. By shielding Israel from scrutiny, the U.S. and E3 aim to maintain a strategic balance that favors Israel’s military dominance. This stance, however, has fueled resentment among regional states and undermined the credibility of international non-proliferation regimes.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has killed over 64,300 Palestinians since October 2023, further complicates the regional dynamics. Israel’s military campaign, described by many as genocidal, has been enabled by Western support, including arms supplies and diplomatic cover. Iran’s accusations regarding Dimona are thus part of a broader critique of Western complicity in Israel’s actions, which include not only its nuclear program but also its aggressive military policies in Gaza, Lebanon, and beyond.
Regional Reactions and the Non-Proliferation Debate
Iran’s accusations have resonated with other regional actors, particularly those aligned with the Axis of Resistance. Hezbollah, a key ally of Iran, has condemned Israel’s nuclear program as a threat to regional stability, arguing that Western silence emboldens Israel’s aggressive policies. Yemen’s Ansarullah movement has similarly criticized the U.S. and E3, warning of “real surprises” in response to Israel’s actions. These reactions underscore the interconnected nature of resistance movements in West Asia, which view Israel’s nuclear arsenal and military operations as part of a broader campaign of domination.
The non-proliferation debate in West Asia has long been marked by calls for a nuclear-weapons-free zone. Arab states, led by Egypt, have proposed such a zone since the 1970s, but Israel’s refusal to join the NPT and the U.S.’s opposition have stalled progress. Iran’s accusations highlight the urgency of this issue, as Israel’s nuclear capabilities continue to grow without international oversight. The lack of a regional non-proliferation framework, combined with Western double standards, has fueled mistrust and heightened the risk of nuclear escalation.
Internationally, Iran’s warnings have drawn attention from non-proliferation experts and civil society groups. Organizations such as the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) have called for greater transparency regarding Israel’s nuclear program, arguing that its unchecked arsenal undermines global security. The UN General Assembly has repeatedly passed resolutions supporting a nuclear-weapons-free zone in West Asia, but these efforts have been stymied by the U.S. and its allies.
Implications for Regional and Global Security
The expansion of Israel’s Dimona facility and the Western powers’ silence have profound implications for regional and global security. At the regional level, Israel’s nuclear monopoly strengthens its military dominance, enabling it to pursue aggressive policies with impunity. The ongoing Gaza conflict, with its staggering death toll and humanitarian crisis, is a stark example of Israel’s willingness to use overwhelming force, supported by Western allies. An enhanced nuclear capability could further embolden Israel, increasing the risk of escalation with Iran, Hezbollah, or other regional actors.
For Iran, the Dimona expansion reinforces its argument that its nuclear program is necessary for deterrence. While Iran insists its program is peaceful, the lack of progress in restoring the JCPOA and the E3’s push for snapback sanctions have heightened tensions. Iran’s intelligence successes, such as obtaining secret documents on Israel’s nuclear facilities, as reported in regional media, suggest a growing capability to counter Israel’s dominance. However, this also raises the risk of direct confrontation, particularly if Israel perceives Iran’s actions as a threat to its nuclear monopoly.
Globally, the Western powers’ silence undermines the credibility of the non-proliferation regime. The NPT, which forms the cornerstone of global efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, is weakened by the lack of accountability for non-signatories like Israel. The E3 and U.S.’s focus on Iran’s program, while ignoring Israel’s, creates a perception of bias that erodes trust in international institutions. This could encourage other states to pursue nuclear capabilities, further destabilizing the global order.
Challenges to Accountability
Holding Israel accountable for its nuclear program faces significant challenges. The U.S.’s veto power at the UN Security Council has consistently blocked resolutions critical of Israel, including those addressing its nuclear activities. The E3, while publicly committed to non-proliferation, have been reluctant to challenge Israel, prioritizing their strategic alliance over principle. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which oversees nuclear inspections, has no jurisdiction over Israel due to its non-signatory status, limiting the scope of international oversight.
Civil society efforts, such as public tribunals and advocacy campaigns, have sought to fill this gap. The London tribunal on UK complicity in Gaza, convened on the same day as Iran’s statement, reflects growing global frustration with Western double standards. These initiatives aim to pressure governments and international bodies to address Israel’s actions, including its nuclear program. However, their impact is limited by the lack of legal authority and political will among powerful states.
Iran’s Strategic Response
Iran’s public condemnation of the Dimona expansion is part of a broader strategy to counter Western pressure and assert its regional influence. By highlighting Israel’s nuclear activities, Iran seeks to shift the narrative away from its own program and expose the hypocrisy of Western non-proliferation efforts. This approach aligns with Iran’s broader foreign policy, which emphasizes resistance to U.S. and Israeli hegemony and support for regional allies.
Iran’s intelligence operations, including the reported acquisition of documents on Israel’s nuclear facilities, demonstrate its growing capabilities and willingness to challenge Israel directly. These efforts, combined with its support for Hezbollah and Palestinian factions, position Iran as a key player in the regional balance of power. However, this also increases the risk of escalation, particularly if Israel or the U.S. responds with military action.
Global and Regional Solidarity
Iran’s accusations have garnered support from regional and global actors who share its concerns about Israel’s nuclear program and Western complicity. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which includes Iran, China, and Russia, has emphasized multilateralism and equitable global governance as a counter to Western dominance. The SCO’s 2025 summit reaffirmed its commitment to a new global order, with Iran’s warnings about Dimona aligning with this broader agenda.
Civil society groups, particularly in the Global South, have echoed Iran’s call for accountability. Protests in support of Palestine, which have swept cities worldwide since the Gaza conflict began, often highlight the role of Western powers in enabling Israel’s actions. The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement has gained momentum, with calls for sanctions on Israel and a reevaluation of Western military ties.
Conclusion
Iran’s condemnation of Western silence on Israel’s Dimona nuclear expansion highlights a critical issue in global non-proliferation efforts. The construction at the Dimona facility, potentially signaling an expansion of Israel’s nuclear arsenal, raises serious concerns about regional stability and the integrity of international institutions. The U.S., France, Germany, and the UK’s failure to address this issue, while scrutinizing Iran’s peaceful nuclear program, undermines their credibility and fuels accusations of double standards.
The broader context of Israel’s actions, including its genocidal campaign in Gaza and violations in Lebanon, underscores the urgency of addressing its nuclear program. Iran’s warnings serve as a call to action for the international community to prioritize transparency and accountability over geopolitical alliances. A nuclear-weapons-free zone in West Asia, supported by robust international oversight, is essential to prevent escalation and ensure regional stability.
As the world grapples with these challenges, the voices of regional actors and civil society must guide efforts toward justice and equity. The Western powers’ silence on Dimona not only emboldens Israel but also erodes trust in global governance. Only through genuine dialogue, adherence to international law, and a commitment to fairness can the cycle of conflict and mistrust in West Asia be broken, paving the way for a more just and secure future.
